Evergrande eye United win for knockout stage spot
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 9, 2013
Guangzhou Evergrande coach Marcello Lippi has demanded the Chinese Super League champions maintain their push for a place in last 16 of the AFC Champions League against Thai counterparts Muangthong United on Tuesday.
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Lippi warns his players not to underestimate Muangthong. |
Having beaten tournament debutants Muangthong 4-0 in China last week to move two points clear at the top of Group F, Guangzhou can secure a place in the knockout stage for a second consecutive season with two games to spare with victory at Thunderdome Stadium as long as Urawa Reds also lose to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
But Lippi, who has midfielder Huang Bowen back from suspension, is refusing to underestimate Muangthong.
"We are top of the group with seven points, but the group stage is not finished and we still need points to qualify so every game is important and we must maintain our level," said FIFA World Cup winning coach Lippi.
"We hope that we will play better in this game and we cannot let our guard down because Muangthong are a good team which they showed in the first half in the last game.
"I have told my players they must play at 100% to win the game to make sure that we can qualify."
Muangthong coach Slavisa Jokanovic must do without striker Teerasil Dangda, who was the top scorer in the Thai Premier League last season, due to suspension although defender Piyaphon Buntao is eligible to return after missing last week's defeat.
"Guangzhou are one of the best teams in Asia and they have an unlimited budget. We must try our best and we hope that we can on our home ground," said Jokanovic.
"We are well rested and the players are confident although they must forget the last match.
"Teerasil is banned and I hope that the player who replaces him will do his best because Teerasil is the best player in Thailand, although he did not start the last game against Guangzhou."
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